11 African startups have been selected into the first cohort of Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’ program. The 11 startups are utilising cutting-edge artificial intelligence to address local and global challenges.
The selected startups will undergo a 10-week accelerator journey. Beyond benefiting from Google’s AI expertise and a $350k allocation in Google Cloud Credits, they’ll benefit from mentorship sessions, technical guidance, and networking opportunities to enhance their reach and impact.
The 11 selected startups include Avalon Health (South Africa), Chatbots Africa (Ghana), Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya), Famasi Africa (Nigeria), Fastagger Inc (Kenya), Garri Logistics (Ethiopia), Izifin (Nigeria). Others are Lengo AI (Senegal), Logistify AI (Uganda), Telliscope (Ethiopia) and Vzy (Nigeria).
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem in Africa, emphasized the importance of AI as a powerful enabler and platform shift, stating that the selected startups are leveraging AI in innovative ways to address both local and global challenges.
“At Google, we’ve been working on AI for over a decade, and we’ve shown how useful AI is in our products and for developers externally. AI is not only a powerful enabler, it’s also a major platform shift. That’s why we’re focused on making it easy and scalable for others to innovate with AI,” he says.
“Our chosen startups for the ‘AI First’ program embody this vision, leveraging AI in pioneering ways to address both local and global challenges. We’re here excited to support and amplify their impact.”
Adeola Ayoola, CEO/Co-founder of Famasi Africa, expressed confidence in scaling their AI-powered digital health solutions with Google’s mentorship.
“Famasi Africa is scaling AI-powered digital health solutions to reach more underserved communities. Joining the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program represents a significant step towards realising that dream. With Google’s mentorship, we’re confident of scaling our solutions, reaching more pharmacies, and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes,” Adeola said.
Japheth Dibo, CEO & Co-Founder of Dial Afrika (Kenya): “Dial Afrika is revolutionising customer support in Africa with cutting-edge AI-powered solutions. Being selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program will allow us to leverage advanced AI technology to make this vision a reality. With this support and mentorship, we aim to revolutionise customer support and equip businesses across the African continent with the tools to thrive and excel.”
More on the Google ‘AI First’ accelerator program
A McKinsey report highlights the potential of AI in Africa, suggesting it could contribute $1.3 trillion to the continent’s GDP by 2030. Google’s ‘AI First’ program aims to harness this potential and support startups in making a meaningful impact.
The equity-free program launched a month ago is slated to last 10 weeks. It is open to Africa-based early-stage startups up to the Series A phase. The startups are also pioneering African-centered solutions using AI and machine learning (ML) innovations.
The accelerator also underscores the growing relevance of emerging technologies like AI on the continent and beyond. Although it is deemed to be futuristic, many companies are already building tools through AI today.
The program reflects Google’s ongoing commitment to supporting African startups, which have collectively raised $263 million and created over 2,800 job opportunities since 2017. Interestingly, the program is heavily influenced by previous minority-centered initiatives like the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, The Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, and The Google for Startups Accelerator: Women Founder. It is believed that these influences will help it achieve its mission which is to “support and highlight African-driven solutions.”
The portfolios of the selected startups
Avalon Health (South Africa): Empowers patients with streamlined online healthcare access and offers doctors digital tools to enhance care.
Chatbots Africa (Ghana): Spearheading SMEs’ transition into the Social Commerce era with AI-driven online storefronts.
Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya): Tailoring customer support tools for global businesses, focusing on African SMBs.
Famasi Africa (Nigeria): Building the OS for pharmacies in emerging markets.
Fastagger Inc (Kenya): Using AI to amplify sales and loyalty, supporting MSMEs’ growth.
Garri Logistics (Ethiopia): Digitalizing freight brokerage and transport services.
Izifin (Nigeria): Providing an end-to-end credit infrastructure via API for small businesses.
Lengo AI (Senegal): Launching the first Data-Driven OS for the Informal Sector.
Logistify AI (Uganda): Minimising inventory losses in industrial facilities.
Telliscope (Ethiopia): Offering an AI-enabled business intelligence platform.
Vzy (Nigeria): Revolutionising website building with AI-driven tools that craft sites in mere minutes.
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